8-year-old girl raped at school's hostel in Bhopal
What's the story
An eight-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in a private school hostel in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, police said on Wednesday.
Following a complaint, the police registered a case under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 376 (rape) and provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.
The police have also initiated legal action against three people connected to this horrific act.
Investigation progress
Victim's medical examination and statement recording in progress
The exact timeline of the incident is yet to be determined.
The First Information Report (FIR) includes the names of the accused, but their identities are still being verified.
Misrod police station in-charge Manish Raj Bhadoria clarified that claims about the victim being drugged before the assault will be confirmed after the investigation concludes.
Currently, authorities are medically examining the victim and recording her statement. Multiple police units have been assembled to gather evidence relevant to this case, added Bhadoria.
Evidence update
CCTV footage obtained, medical findings under review
An initial medical examination revealed injuries and swelling in the girl's private parts.
These findings, as reported by the complainant, will be cross-checked through a comprehensive medical review.
As part of their investigation, law enforcement has obtained CCTV footage from the hostel premises.
"The accused will be arrested once their identity is established," assured Bhadoria.
The office of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter.